As a writer and storyteller, I can truly relate to Tracy McMillan’s journey in creating “UnPrisoned.” Her father, much like my own, was a complex man with a larger-than-life personality, leaving behind a rich tapestry of stories that could fill a lifetime. It’s heartwarming to see such authentic characters and narratives being brought to life on screen.
[This story contains spoilers from season two, episode five of UnPrisoned.]
In season two of UnPrisoned, the delicate process of repairing Paige’s (Kerry Washington) and Edwin’s (Delroy Lindo) strained father-daughter bond becomes secondary to their focus on Finn (Faly Rakotohavana). The impact on him, being the son of a woman whose father spent most of her life in prison and who never knew his biological father, is a significant concern.
“According to the showrunner Yvette Lee Bowser, it was possibly misunderstood last year that the series centered around a woman whose father had been in prison for most of her life. However, she clarifies that the show is actually about a woman, her father, and their grandson. Essentially, it’s a story about a multi-generational family with a multi-generational narrative.”
With this, there arises the potential for generational curses, a concern that leads Paige to not just accommodate her father living with her and Finn, but also initiate family therapy under the guidance of her therapeutic rival, Murphy (portrayed by John Stamos).
In episode five titled “Trigger Happy,” Nadine (played by Brenda Strong), who raised or looked after Paige while her father was imprisoned, attends a session as Edwin’s girlfriend. This meeting between Paige and Nadine creates a noticeable tension, to which Murphy humorously remarks, “Today looks like we’re going to delve deep into some feelings.” This comment initiates a fictional ‘wrestling match’ scene where the Alexander family engages in a heated argument, symbolized by a wrestling match.
“Bowser expresses his fondness for the unique episode we produced this season among all others, appreciating its inventiveness as well as its implementation and potential influence,” says Bowser. “In our quest to creatively represent therapy, even for those who aren’t familiar with it, we brainstormed various ideas. Eventually, we settled on professional wrestling due to its dramatic, exaggerated nature. By portraying a family undergoing real therapy, we aimed to create a safe environment for viewers. We wanted to encourage everyone to delve into aspects of themselves and their families they may not have previously examined.”
The episode serves as a significant turning point emotionally for the family, Bowser notes. “The Alexander Family Smackdown” exposes the heart of their problems. We examine the complexities within the family structure and how they echo through generations. We zoom in on how family discord influences Finn’s social awkwardness, how Paige’s trust issues affect her child, and how Edwin’s absence resonated with them all. By the end, all the issues we’ve uncovered throughout the season reach a climax – and as a result, our family will undergo a transformation that they’ll never forget.
Bowser talks to THR about the show, modern TV, and how speaking openly about problems can help us gain more freedom.
***
What made you say yes to UnPrisoned?
I was contacted by ABC Signature, a studio I have an ongoing contract with, as Tara Duncan – who created Onyx – recognized my ability to manage a successful show. This is due to my collaboration with her on Dear White People at Netflix, and she was aware of my personal connection to the topic matter since my own father was a career criminal, albeit one who managed to avoid prison thanks to his knack for staying out of trouble. Tara Duncan shares many qualities with Edwin, being charming, kind-hearted, intelligent, and compassionate. My father’s name was James Edward Lee, which earned him various nicknames like Eddie, Edwin, Jim, Jimmy, and Fast Eddie. He lived a life filled with adventures, covering a wide range of exploits.
Is that why Delroy Lindo’s character’s name is Edwin?
It’s not just happening by chance; the character bears a strong resemblance to Tracy McMillan’s father and reflects on the intricacies of many fathers like him.
In the writers’ room, we’re always seeking the perfect blend for our show, which stands out by using humor despite tackling serious topics like incarceration and its effects on families. How do we maintain this balance effectively?
Embracing genuine experiences, we strive to blend reality with comedy, finding humor in life’s quirks. As a mix of drama and comedy, or dramedy, we aim to highlight the comical side of existence as much as we can. Humor serves not only as a therapeutic tool but also as a means to expose our shared humanity to those who may overlook it. I wholeheartedly cherish the chance to share our tales in an authentic manner, infused with a generous dose of humor.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve been diving into the world of digital entertainment lately, and I must say, I find myself drawn to the interactive experiences it offers more than traditional TV these days. However, when I do tune in to TV shows, I can understand Eva Longoria’s sentiment about the depressing narratives that seem to dominate today’s landscape. It’s not always easy to find uplifting stories or characters that resonate with me. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, and there are still some amazing series out there that keep me hooked!
It seems to me that there’s a significant lack of humor in today’s television content, which I believe is crucial for our wellbeing. We could all use more lightness to help us remember not to take life too seriously. This is particularly relevant now as we find ourselves at a crossroads, with people becoming increasingly polarized due to their inability to laugh at themselves and others. Laughter can be healing and help us navigate difficulties more smoothly. The unique aspect of UnPrisoned is its focus on encouraging laughter while maintaining authenticity and truth. It’s all about helping the audience see themselves and find humor, without compromising on reality.
As someone who has been involved in the entertainment industry for quite some time now, I must say that the response to our premiere season was truly heartwarming. There were several reactions that stood out to me, but one that particularly resonated with me was a message we received from a fan who had struggled with similar themes as portrayed in the series. They shared how it helped them feel less alone and more understood, which is exactly what I hoped our show would achieve. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do, and make all the hard work worth it.
In my opinion, our intention was successfully realized as people recognized themselves in our portrayal. We expanded the perspective on human experiences and broadened the definition of a nuclear family, reflecting contemporary society. It’s always rewarding when this happens, and it’s been an honor to maintain this focus throughout my career. My goal is to amplify underrepresented voices and contribute to cultural change.
When did you find out about the renewal for season two and were you expecting it?
It might seem presumptuous to express that we had deserved it, but our wish was to acquire the pickup for our show before the strike occurred. Regrettably, this didn’t happen until after the strike. This left us in a state of anticipation, eagerly hoping to return and continue telling stories through Paige, Edwin, Finn, and others. When we finally received the call, we were filled with joy and excitement. Our show was the most-watched on Hulu when it debuted during the first quarter of last year. I believe it’s crucial for us to keep fueling the creative process and providing our audience with more content, as they had expressed a desire for it. I’m glad the network recognized this need and decided against a two-year gap between seasons, even amidst the strike. I believe this decision will maintain the momentum of the storyline and the connection the viewers have with the characters, as we can return in a shorter timeframe. Consequently, I feel grateful for this opportunity.
Last year, during your press conference, you mentioned that advancements were being made in Black storytelling. However, it seems there are still very few Black women serving as showrunners, especially on long-lasting series. What are your thoughts on the opportunities available in this area?
It seems that opportunities are abundant, but we must persistently strive to seize them. I strongly believe that a lack of representation on-screen is directly linked to the scarcity of representation within executive positions, writers’ rooms, and other key areas. It is our duty to envision ourselves in these spaces, work towards being there, and pave the way for those who aspire to join us. This mission has been a significant part of my journey and drive. I continue because of this purpose, as well as the hope it brings me. My aim is not only to boost others’ voices but also to welcome them into these circles. Those on the inside have a responsibility to open doors, and it should be easier for newcomers to enter through the front door rather than finding unconventional ways in like I did.
UnPrisoned releases new episodes Wednesdays on Hulu.
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2024-08-03 18:25